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In our emails, sent once or twice a week, you'll receive:
• alerts on new threats to North Carolina's environment
• opportunities to join other North Carolinians on urgent actions
• updates on the decisions that impact our environment
• resources to help you create a cleaner, greener future

Grow Solar N.C.

Solar power has increased exponentially in North Carolina in the last several years. And while right now, we are poised to be a leader in the country for generating clean, renewable energy from the sun’s rays, a few leaders are trying to undo our progress. We have a plan to put up 700,000 solar roofs by 2030 and keep us moving forward on clean energy.

We have the power

With twice as much sun as Germany, the world’s solar leader, and a burgeoning solar industry, North Carolina is poised to be a leader in the country for generating clean, renewable energy from the sun’s rays. We’ve made incredible progress in the last five years, and we have the potential for much more. Unfortunately, a few powerful legislators are intent on taking the state backwards.

Exponential and recent growth

Solar power has increased exponentially in North Carolina in the last several years. In fact, our state ranked second nationally for solar power installations in 2013, trailing only California.

Our explosive growth in solar power doesn’t just reduce our dependence on dirty fossil fuels. It has also marked a bright spot in our economy.

Leading the nation toward clean energy

North Carolina’s surge in solar installations was no accident. Since 1977, the state has offered some of the nation’s most generous tax incentives for investments in renewable energy. In 2007, North Carolina became the first state in the Southeast to require a certain percentage of its power from solar, wind, and other forms of clean energy.

We can do more

Of course, we need to do more to grow solar in North Carolina. With solar panels on 700,000 roofs across the state by 2030, we could derive 14 percent of our energy from solar power.

By increasing solar requirements, continuing our solar incentives, and allowing industries besides just Duke Energy to sell solar power on a large scale, North Carolina leaders can continue the state’s progress to a clean energy future.

Don't go backwards

Unfortunately, a few powerful members in the NC General Assembly appear intent on taking the state backwards when it comes to clean energy and clean jobs. But Governor Pat McCrory can stop them. Take action to keep us moving forward!

Campaign Updates

Raleigh, NC -- The carbon pollution from five coal plants could be eliminated in North Carolina if wind power is developed off the North Carolina coast, according to a new analysis by Environment North Carolina Research and Policy Center. The report comes right as Congress considers whether to renew tax credits critical to wind development.

Wind power is on the rise across America. The United States generates 24 times more electricity from wind power than we did in 2001, providing clean, fossil fuel-free energy that helps the nation do its part in the fight against global warming.

RALEIGH, NC –Solar power is growing so quickly in North Carolina that goals once considered ambitious are now readily achievable, according to a new report by Environment North Carolina Research & Policy Center.

“We can get to 20% solar in North Carolina by 2030 if we just keep our foot on the accelerator,” said Maya Gold, Clean Energy Associate with Environment North Carolina. “That’s a small fraction of what’s possible, but it will make a big difference in the quality of our lives and the future of our planet.”

The group’s researchers found that North Carolina’s solar capacity has grown 127% in recent years. At a fifth of this pace, solar could still generate 20% of North Carolina’s electricity within 15 years— a goal once thought improbable by many.

North Carolina could meet its energy needs by capturing just a sliver of the virtually limitless and pollution-free energy that strikes the state every day in the form of sunlight. With solar installation costs falling, the efficiency of solar cells rising, and the threats of air pollution and global warming ever-looming, solar power is becoming a more attractive and widespread source of energy every day.

Washington, DC—Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced the designation of over 275,000 acres off the coast of North Carolina for offshore wind on August 11.

“We are thrilled that the Obama administration has announced another critical step forward in making this vision a reality for America. There is tremendous potential for producing clean, pollution-free wind energy off of our coasts and over time we can expand wind energy areas much farther. ”